FAQs
- Kosapsum First Nation
- Songhees First Nation
- City of Victoria
- District of Saanich
- Town of View Royal
- Capital Regional District
- Greater Victoria School District No. 61
- Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Columbia Britanique School District No. 93
- Agricultural Land Commission
- Department of National Defence – Base Commander, CFB Esquimalt
- Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce
- BC Transit
- Vancouver Island Health Authority
- Public Port of Victoria (Transport Canada)
- Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
- BC Hydro
- Greater Victoria Housing Society
- Urban Development Institute
- West Bay Residents Association
Kosapsum First Nation
- Songhees First Nation
- City of Victoria
- District of Saanich
- Town of View Royal
- Capital Regional District
- Greater Victoria School District No. 61
- Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la
- Columbia Britanique School District No. 93
- Agricultural Land Commission
- Department of National Defence – Base
- Commander, CFB Esquimalt
- Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce
- BC Transit
- Vancouver Island Health Authority
- Public Port of Victoria (Transport Canada)
- Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
- BC Hydro
- Greater Victoria Housing Society
- Urban Development Institute
- West Bay Residents Association
What is an Official Community Plan (OCP)?
Official Community Plans (OCPs) describe the long-term vision of communities. They are a statement of objectives and policies that guide decisions on local government planning and land use management.
Municipalities, regional districts and the Islands Trust have the authority to develop official community plans under the Local Government Act.
Why is the OCP being updated now?
In November 2023, the Province of British Columbia adopted Bill 44, Housing Statutes (Residential Development Act), requiring all municipalities to update their OCPs. The Township of Esquimalt is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) to meet a Provincial requirement that all local governments ensure their OCPs include enough land use capacity to accommodate 20 years of housing need. This update must be completed by the end of 2025.
What is the extent of the OCP 2025 Update?
The current OCP already provides sufficient land use capacity to meet the 20-year housing targets, so no changes to existing land use designations are anticipated. Instead, the Township is considering targeted amendments to align the plan with new Provincial requirements and improve clarity. This is not a major update, but a recalibration to reflect today’s priorities.
A comprehensive review and full OCP update is planned to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2030.
How can you get involved in the OCP Update?
We invite you to share your thoughts as we update Esquimalt’s Official Community Plan (OCP). To learn more about the project, explore the information material, and join us at one of our upcoming events:
Public Open House: Visit the project team inside the Esquimalt Recreation Centre on July 28, 2025.
Virtual Open House: Available on-line from July 28, 2025.
Farmer’s Market Table: Visit the project team at the Esquimalt Farmer’s Market on July 31, 2025.
Who is being consulted in this OCP Update?
We invite all members of the community to participate in the planning process. Council directed staff to consult with the following groups:
Who had been invited to give feedback on this project?